Anything for You by Ethan Day
MLR Press
Gay Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-60820-312-3
Reviewed by Cassie




Jason’s life is a balancing act.  He’s not out at work or to his family, even though his sister has come out as a lesbian without disastrous results.  He knows his decision to remain closeted doesn’t make sense, but he’s terrified of upsetting the status quo.  Then his friends arrange for him to meet Chad.  Chad is an out and proud gay activist.  That alone should send Jason running for the hills, but he can’t help his attraction.  Has Jason finally met the man worth coming out for?

Anything for You is a screwball comedy about one man’s journey to accepting himself.  Jason is typical of one of Ethan Day’s heroes—neurotic, insecure, funny, and sarcastic, with an underlying sweetness and goodness that makes him likeable.  He knows that his fear of coming out makes little sense, especially given his sister’s sexuality, but that doesn’t make him any less terrified.  He goes to great lengths to hide his true self from everyone.  With a  little help from his best friend Brent, Brent’s annoying boyfriend Trent, and two other friends Jason’s dubbed “The Richie Riches,” Jason meets Chad.  Chad’s not quite as defined, due to Jason being the narrator, but it’s obvious he is Jason’s opposite in many ways.  Chad has made a life out of helping others gather the courage to come out.  After a disastrous relationship with a closeted politician, Chad isn’t crazy about dating guys who are hiding, yet he makes an exception for Jason.  It’s clear from the first moment that Jason and Chad are perfect for each other.  Of course, in true Ethan Day fashion, Jason goes through a great deal of neurotic, amusing soul-searching for them to reach their happily-ever-after.  Readers looking for a serious treatment of coming out of the closet will probably not be crazy about Anything for You. However, fans of comedy or anyone looking for a light, fun, yet emotional read will be sure to enjoy Anything for You, just as I did.